One hand on her bump the other holding a ciggy

So, I went through the drive-thru to get an ice cream cone for the boys after our park play and had to pull over to wait. *go figure!* A nice looking young woman, I'm guessing her age to be about 21 or so, came outside and lit up a cigarette. When she sat down on the bench right in front of me, it was hard to ignore the fact that she was pregnant. Not like - wow, I'm a month along and don't know it yet and am doing things to endanger my unborn baby because I don't know anything yet. No -- a BIG, round, beautiful basketball of a belly just staring back at me.


It made me sick to my stomach, literally. I know that there are woman who do smoke during their pregnancies and birth healthy children with no concerns. I'm the product of one of those woman. I was a lucky one that didn't have smoke effect my breathing by being born predisposed to asthma or have allergies. Now, back in the 70's it wasn't really a concern and I think a lot of people were unaware of the effects of smoking or drinking during pregnancy could cause. But come on people. There are SO many warnings about someone smoking and ESPECIALLY during pregnancy.


I know I'm not supposed to judge. It's hard not too when you see someone having been blessed beyond measure with having a life grow inside of them....a heart, a brain, lungs, organs, tastebuds, eyelids, ears, etc. forming to become a new life and here this woman (and I'm sure, many others) who are choosing to play roulette with their choices. Well, it just really broke my heart. I didn't say anything and just smiled when she looked up at me. No matter the sin or the wrongdoing, love the person not the act. Though I have to admit, this was harder when it comes to someone (the mom) hurting someone else (the baby).